Breastfeeding & Lactation
Oakville Pediatrics’s goal is to make the breastfeeding experience comfortable and enjoyable for both mothers and babies through expert support and guidance.
Our breastfeeding counselors and lactation consultants work closely with new and experienced mothers to overcome breastfeeding concerns, feeding or lactation difficulties or any other problems related to breastfeeding.
How Can We Help You & Your Family
Breastfeeding and lactation problems are very common among nursing women. While generally easily manageable, these problems can turn into a cause of concern over time without proper care and guidance.
Therefore, it is recommended to seek guidance from a lactation consultant if you are having trouble feeding your baby or experiencing any other related problems. At Oakville Pediatrics, we help couples prepare to welcome the baby into the family and also provide prenatal education.
Our specialists are trained to tackle all kinds of lactation and breastfeeding problems, including the following.
- Breast or nipple pain
- Low or excessive milk supply
- Restarting milk supply
- Latching / positioning problems
- Weaning problems
- Breast pump management
- Very frequent feeding
- Baby falling asleep while feeding
- Slow or no weight gain in the baby
- Feeding more than one baby
- Unexplained change in milk supply
Why Lactation Consultants Recommend Breastfeeding
Choosing to breastfeed your baby is a very personal decision. Many mothers opt for formula milk, which is a viable alternative to breastfeeding. However, most lactation consultants recommend breastfeeding babies as mother’s milk is the natural diet of babies and offers several additional benefits that may not be gained through the formula.
According to the World Healt h Organization (WHO), mother milk is the recommended diet for the first six months after birth, followed by continued breastfeeding with weaning for up to two years and beyond. Mother’s milk contains all the nutrients, including vitamins, fats, proteins, a nd fatty acids, that babies need for healthy growth and development.
Easily digestible, mother’s milk is also easy on the tummy. It helps with digestion, improves gut health, and enhances the immune system to help infants fight off diseases and illnesses. Breastfeeding during the early months of life is also important from a mental and psychological point of view. It helps build a strong and comforting bond between the child and the mother.
Moreover, it is also linked to a higher IQ later in life. Breastfeeding is beneficial , not only for babies but also for mothers. It can help lose weight following childbirth to help mothers stay fit. Furthermore, the natural process of feeding also releases certain hormones in the body, such as oxytocin, that help return the uterus to a pre-pregnancy state.
Mother’s Milk and COVID-19
The WHO guidelines regarding breastfeeding remain unaffected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Mothers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can initiate or continue to breastfeed infants. The status of vertical transmission of the disease through the mother’s milk is inconclusive.
Remember, healthy feeding means a happy baby. So, if you have any breastfeeding questions or are struggling to breastfeed your child, contact the experienced lactation consultants at Oakville Pediatrics. Visit the clinic facility or give us a call at 905-366-4441 to set an appointment.